France's 2025 Unemployment Reform Extends Benefits for Workers Over 55

A reform to France's unemployment insurance took effect on 1 April 2025 for contracts terminated on or after that date. The changes raise the age thresholds that qualify for longer benefits: workers under 55 receive up to 18 months of allowance, those aged 55‑56 up to 22.5 months, and those 57 or older up to 27 months, with possible extra days for training.

The allocation amount continues to be based on the daily reference salary (SJR) calculated from the last 24‑36 months of earnings. A degressive reduction of up to 30 % applies after the seventh month for high‑salary earners, though exemptions exist for older workers, intermittent performers and recipients of professional security contracts. The minimum benefit and the calculation formula (40.4 % + fixed amount or 57 % of SJR) remain unchanged.

Separately, French law confirms that virtually all dismissals—including economic, personal‑reason, and even gross‑fault terminations—grant eligibility for the unemployment allowance, provided the loss is involuntary. The amount and duration still depend on the worker’s age and contribution history, with a maximum of 18 months for those under 53 years.